Diffuser for steam pressing machine



' Sept. 29, 1970 A, KAHN ETAL 3,530,603

DIFFUSER won swam ramssme momma Filed Sept. 9, 1968 2 Shee ts-Sheet 1 F/G.l

INVENTORS ALEXANDER KAHN ERNEST GEORGE MOORE kw doiw ATTORNEYS Sept. 29, 1970 KAHN ETAL 3,530,603

DIFFUSER FOR STEAM PRESSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 9, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 OOOOOOC OOOOOOC- OOOOOOC OOOOOOC c005 3000O JOOOOO EJ000004 f 52 Evooou o 5 6 INVENTORS QOOQOO ALEXANDER KAHN DOOOOOC ERNEST GEORGE MOORE ATTORNEYS United States Patent.

DIFFUSER FOR STEAM PRESSING MACHINE Alexander Kalrn, Amityville, and Ernest George Moore,

East Meadow, N.Y., assignors to U.S. Dynamics Corp.,

Nassau County, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 9, 1968, Ser. No. 758,558 Int. Cl. D06f 8/00 U.S. CI. 38-66 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A pressing plate is provided for a steam garment-pressing machine, said plate being characterized by a shaperetaining arrangement consisting of a steam-permeable metal sheet confined by a rim and assuming a flat or arched profile, there being associated with the metal sheet diffusion means including an asbestos sheet atop which is positioned a heat-resistant felt pad which is covered by a heat-resistant cloth.

DRAWING FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a pressing plate pro vided in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of one end of the plate illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an end of the plate of FIG. 1 with the various layers broken away to illustrate the diffusion structure of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a rim portion, when corresponding to the section line of FIG. 1 of an assembly provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 5 of another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a further form of arched plate which can be employed in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention relates to diffusion plates for use in steam garment-pressing machines and more particularly relates to a plate which is to be attached to the press-head of a pressing apparatus.

Devices are known which are attached to the pressheads of pressing machines for the purpose of diffusing jets of steam fed through such press-heads in order to prevent such steam from injuring the fabrics being operated u on.

There have been a wide variety of designs for plates of the above-noted type, including but not limited to the plates and pads described in Pats. 2,632,968, 2,743,541, 2,814,135, 2,880,529, 2,977,697 and 3,181,259.

Generally, it may be observed that the known plates originally with a design wherein a perforated metal plate was employed for the purpose of diffusing steam. This design, while affording a structural strength which resists deformation and while also characterized by resistance to wear, is characterized by the undersirable operational defect of bringing metal into contact with fabric during the pressing of the latter as a consequence of which the fabric is not properly pressed.

There were subsequently developed various improvements by means of which contact of the metal directly or indirectly with the fabric being pressed was avoided. Such improvements included those in which a flexible cloth was substituted for the above-noted metal plate as a result of which pressing results were greatly improved. This approach, however, led to the undesirable consequence of a weakened structure which was unable to retain its original and proper shape and which was markedly subject to deterioration during prolonged use.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved construction for pressing pads by means of which optimum pressing results are achieved while at the same time structural strength is maintained and long life of the device is assured.

To achieve the above and other of the objects of the invention there is proposed a construction in which rim and steam-permeable members are connected in such relationship and are fabricated of such materials as to result in an arrangement having a desirable press plate contour and in an arrangement which has a structural strength which resists deformation of the contour during use of the press plate.

With the aforesaid arrangement is associated a supplemental diffusion arrangement which covers the steampermeable member and consists, for example, of an asbestos cloth on which is positioned a pad of felt-like material which in turn is covered by a porous, lint-free cloth such as nylon cloth.

Advantageously, the plate of the invention presents a soft, flexible, fabric surface which contacts the fabric or article of clothing which is to be pressed thereby avoiding the disadvantages of contacting the same with a hot metal plate. Moreover, the plate of the invention, as will be seen, is free of dirt and lint pick-up and avoids imparting shine and impressions to the fabric or garment. This accordingly contributes to the economy in labor inasmuch as subsequent hand touch-ups of the fabric are rendered unnecessary.

It is an advantage and feature of the invention that plates provided in accordance therewith are capable of periods of continuous use without undergoing any realizable degree of deterioration. It is not subject to being dented as are metal plates such as by buttons, zippers, and so forth, so that the pressing surface is always perfectly smooth throughout the entire period of use of the press plate.

It has been found that the apparatus of the invention avoids broken buttons, ornaments and zippers, which normally result from pressing operations and that cottons, rainwear and wash and wear fabrics can be pressed without additional wetting or spraying.

It has also been found that synthetic fabrics can be pressed with complete safety because the steam diffusing through the plate of the invention has been cooled to a suitable extent.

The above objects, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from a detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In FIG. 1 is generally indicated a bottom view of a press plate 10 which includes a rim section 12 and a steampermeable center section 14.

As seen in FIG. 2, the rim portion 12 peripherally engages the steam-permeable portion 14 which includes an element 16 having an arched configuration and atop which are located various steam diffusing elements, as will hereinafter be described.

FIG. 3 illustrates an end portion of the plate of FIG. 1 in which it can be seen that the arched element 16 is an expanded metal plate consisting of strips of metal 18 and 20 arranged in intersecting relationship and intersecting, for example, at 22. Between these strips of metal are defined openings 24 which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

According to FIG. 4, the center portion of the press plate of the invention consists of four layers. One of these layers is the arched element 16 mentioned above. The

3 three other layers are respectively, by way of example, an asbestos cloth 26, a nylon felt pad 28 and a nylon cloth 30.

FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention in which a perforated plate 32 is substituted for the expanded metal sheet noted hereinabove.

The metal sheet or element 16 is a flexible element which is confined by means of the rim member 12 which can be arched or fiat. The metal is preferably a rust resistant metal of relatively light weight. Aluminum has proven to be particularly advantageous for use in press plates of the invention.

The metal must have sufficient strength to avoid buckling or folding and thus to avoid bumps or creases. It must furthermore have sufficient strength to maintain the particular contour which is imparted to it as a consequence of its original fabrication. The element 16 must, moreover, have sufficient strength that it will not deform in normal use. This strength is imparted to it not only by virtue of the metal from which it is made and the dimensions thereof, but additionally by its cooperative engagement with the rim member 12, as Will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

There are two preferred types of materials which have been found particularly advantageous in the press plate of the invention. These are expanded aluminum sheet and perforated aluminum sheet. The thicknesses of such sheets lie within the range of .0l-.045 inch. Preferably the thickness exceeds twenty-thousandths of an inch. A thickness which exceeds forty-five thousandths of an inch will give the necessary strength but is uneconomical and provides a magnitude of strength which exceeds that which is required.

In order to provide a sufiicient passage for the supply of steam, the perforated or expanded aluminum must have a minimum open area of twenty percent of its total area. Preferably, there is provided a minimum open area of about fifty percent of the total area.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the expanded aluminum will have openings with sides of onesixteenth to one-quarter inch with the intervening metal strips or lattice work having dimensions consistent with the required open area noted hereinabove. The perforated aluminum sheet employed in accordance with the invention will preferably have circular holes of around oneeighth of an inch diameter. In the latter case, the holes will be spaced apart by distance which will provide the percentage of open area discussed above.

The element 16 can, as has been noted above, be retained in arched configuration. Preferably the metal member 16 will then be arched to an extent which constitutes less than twenty percent of the maximum width of the metal member 16 such as, for example, indicated at W in FIG. 1. Such limitation will avoid the possibility of folds in the element 16, while at the same time this structural technique will contribute to the structural strength which is required.

As to the asbestos cloth 26 illustrated in FIG. 4, the function of this cloth is to constitute a thermal insulation and to reduce the temperature of the steam before the steam reaches the heat-resistant cloth 30. This function contributes to protecting the felt 28 and cloth 30 from heat and deterioration.

It is possible to employ substitute materials for the asbestos cloth provided that the aforesaid functions are accounted for. Under certain circumstances such as if the felt 28 and cloth 30 are sufiiicently heat resistant, it may be possible to omit the asbestos cloth 26.

A specific asbestos cloth employed in accordance with the invention incorporates approximately a ninety percent asbestos content and a ten percent cotton content. It is in loosely woven form.

More particularly, a specific asbestos cloth employed in accordance with the invention and of preferred characteristics is that designated as ASTM Standard (Grade U Underwriters) which includes eighty to eighty-four percent 4 of asbestos and is stable at 450 F. This particular cloth weighs .72 pound per square yard, has a gauge of .033 inch and is of a plain weave.

The felt pad 28 employed in accordance with the invention is preferably a nylon felt whose principal function is that of diffusing the steam. The felt pad can be woven or needle punched and will preferably have a thickness lying within the range of .120-.50O inch. By way of example, the pad may have a weight of about ounces per square yard, but this can vary within a range of 10 to ounces per square yard, and under certain circumstances can exceed this range.

The pad 28 must be heat resistant to steam temperatures corresponding to -100 p.s.i. and thus must be able to resist up to 340 F. The pad must not deteriorate upon exposure to steam and while nylon felt is preferred, other materials may be employed in accordance with the invention.

The cover element 30 is preferably a nylon cloth. Various nylon cloths may be employed in accordance with the invention but a particularly suitable nylon cloth is one which is porous, smooth and lint-free and which is of a plain weave. One such suitable nylon cloth which has been used in accordance with the invention is fabricated of smooth nylon and has a 200 denier with a thread count of 64 x 56 and a weight of four ounces per square yard. Such cloth has been found to have all of the characteristics required by the invention and presents a smooth, lint-free pressing surface while being sufiiciently porous with respect to the steam. Other materials such as polyester fabric, for example, Dacron, meeting the requirements may be substituted.

FIG. 5 illustrates one constructional embodiment of the invention by means of which the aforedescribed elements are combined to have the necessary structural strength. In FIG. 5 is seen a rim element 34 including legs 36 and 38 which are perpendicularly related. A clamping element 40 extends from rim 34 and faces leg 38 to define with the latter a slot receptacle 42. The element 40 is joined to leg 36 at a position whereat is provided a groove 44 which facilitates the displacement of element 40 to clamp the diffusion portion of the device against leg 38. The leg 38 is provided with spikes 46 and 48, for example, which assist in holding the diffusion portion within the slot receptacle 42.

As will be seen, the aluminum element 16 penetrates into the slot receptacle substantially the full extent thereof. The asbestos cloth 26 is in face-to-face relationship with element 16 and is doubled back around the same as indicated at 50. The felt pad 28 is positioned in faceto-face relationship with asbestos cloth 26 and may be connected to the latter by means of stitches such as indicated at 52. In this embodiment of the invention, the felt pad protrudes into the slot receptacle 42. Finally, nylon cloth 30 covers the felt pad 28 and is doubled back around the aluminum element 16 as indicated at 54.

With the above arrangement assembled as illustrated, the clamping element 40 is pressed downwardly, the construction undergoing a permanent deformation to lock the diffusion components in position. The entire assembly is thus given a structural rigidity which avoids deformation during use and which contributes markedly to the extended longevity of the construction. Moreover, there is imparted to the construction a structural rigidity which enables the installation and heating thereof without the need for special cautions. As to such installation, this is effected by springs or the like (not shown) by means of which such pad is attached to the press-head of a pressing machine.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the rim is constituted by a U-shaped channel member 56 including legs 58 and 60 connected by a bight 62. Leg 58 is provided with spikes such as indicated at 64 and 66 and the clamping of leg 60 against or towards leg 58 is employed to effect the assembly operatron.

In this embodiment element 16 consists of an aluminum portion "68 and a lip 70 peripherally extending at right angles thereto. This lip is received within the receptacle 72 of channel member 56 and is embraced by the peripheral portion of nylon cloth 30 and asbestos cloth 26. This embodiment of the invention is moreover characterized by the fact that felt pad 28 does not extend into the channel to avoid bunching at the right angle bend at the periphery of the diiferent layers.

From what has been stated above, it will now appear that a press plate of the invention comprises rim and steam-permeable metal members in connected relationship such as to provide cooperatively a certain press plate contour and such as to constitute a structural member having suflicient structural strength to resist detormaion of the contour during use of the plate, there being moreover provided means covering the steam-permeable member to contact articles which are to be pressed and to diffuse steam passing through the steam-permeable member.

The steam-permeable member of the invention is preferably a rust-proof metal such as aluminum which may be expanded sheet or perforated sheet, there being required in accordance with the invention a certain percentage of open area as has been noted above.

There will now be obvious to those skilled in the art many variations and modifications of the constructions which have been disclosed and illustrated. These modifications and variations will not depart from the scope of the invention it defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A press plate adapted for use in the steam pressing of articles formed of fabric, said press plate comprising rim and steam-permeable members in connected relation and cooperatively provided a press plate contour, said rim and steam-permeable members constituting a structural member having structural strength to resist deformation of said contour during use of said press plate, and means covering said steam-permeable member to contact said articles and to dilfuse steam passing through said steam-permeable member, said steam-permeable member being of aluminum sheet having a thickness of .0l-.045 with a minimum of twenty percent of open area, said rim being a clamp-type member peripherally engaging said sheet, said means including asbestos cloth directly covering said sheet, a pad of felt-like material on said asbestos cloth, and a porous, smooth, lint-free cloth covering said pad, said sheet including a main central portion and a perpendicular lip extending peripherally from said central portion, said rim member being a U-shaped channel engaging said lip and trapping the asbestos and lint-free cloths thereagainst.

2. A press plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the asbestos and lint-free cloths are doubled around said lip, said pad lying outside of said channel.

3. A press plate adapted for use in the steam pressing of articles formed of fabric, said press plate comprising rim and steam-permeable members in connected relation and cooperatively provided a press plate contour, said rim and steam-permeable members constituting a structural member having structural strength to resist deformation of said contour during use of said press plate, and means covering said steam-permeable member to contact said articles and to dilffluse steam passing through 6 said steam-permeable member, said steam-permeable member being of aluminum sheet having a thickness of .010.045 with a minimum of twenty percent of open area, said rim being a clamp-type member peripherally engaging said sheet, said means including asbestos cloth directly covering said sheet, a pad of felt-like material on said asbestos cloth, and a porous, smooth, lint-free cloth covering said pad, said rim member including two perpendicularly related legs and a clamping element extending from one of the legs and defining a slot receptacle with the other of the legs, said sheet and said asbestos cloth, pad and lint-free cloth extending into said recep tacle and being clamped therein.

4. A press plate as claimed in claim 3, wherein the asbestos and lint-free cloths are doubled around the periphery of said sheet.

5. A press plate adapted for use in the steam pressing of articles formed of fabric, said press plate comprising rim and steam-permeable members in connected relation and cooperatively provided a press plate contour, said rim and steam-permeable members constituting a structural member having structural strength to resist deformation of said contour during use of said press plate, and means covering said steam-permeable member to contact said articles and to diifuse steam passing through said steam-permeable member, said steam-permeable member being of aluminum sheet having a thickness of .010-.045 with a minimum of twenty percent of open area, said rim being a clamp-type member peripherally engaging said sheet, said means including asbestos cloth directly covering said sheet, a pad of felt-like material on said asbestos cloth, and a porous, smooth, lint-free cloth covering said pad, said press plate further comprising stitches connecting said pad also to said asbestos sheet.

6. A press plate adapted for use in the steam pressing of articles formed of fabric, said press plate comprising rim and steam-permeable members in connected relation and cooperatively provided a press plate contour, said rim and steam-permeable members constituting a structural member having structural strength to resist deformation of said contour during use of said press plate, and means covering said steam-permeable member to contact said articles and to dilfuse steam passing through said steam-permeable member, said steam-permeable member being of aluminum sheet having a thickness of .010.045 with a minimum of twenty percent of open area, said rim being a clamp-type member peripherally engaging said sheet, said means including asbestos cloth directly covering said sheet, a pad of felt-like material on said asbestos cloth, and a porous, smooth, lint-free cloth covering said pad, the asbestos cloth including about -84 percent asbestos, being stable to about 450 F., Weighing about .72 pound per square yard and having a gauge of about .033 inch; said lint-free cloth being a nylon cloth of filament nylon, about 210 denier, thread count of 64 x 56 and weighing about 4 ounces per square yard.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,977,697 4/1961 Root et al 38-66 X 3,321,852 5/1967 Anderson et al 3866 3,341,953 9/1967 Root 38-66 PATRICK D. LAWSON, Primary Examiner 

